Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Columbia is 10% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield is equivalent to $67,290 in Columbia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbia scores 99 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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